The Sierra offers four engine options, two transmissions, and rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The base model comes with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 310 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Of course, it has an automatic drive with eight speeds. Another widely favored option is the 6.2-liter V-8 engine, which delivers 420 horsepower. It features a 5.3-liter engine that produces 355 horsepower. A light-duty diesel engine with six cylinders and a lot of torque makes 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. The transmission has 10 speeds and works with all three engines. The Sierra 1500 can also come with up to 22-inch wheels and adjustable shock absorbers. Even though the base Sierra moves more roughly than the Ram 1500, it handles very well thanks to its quick steering and well-controlled body roll.
The fast-moving Ford F-150 Raptor excels off-road, but the Sierra’s off-road capabilities are less impressive. However, it does offer two off-road-focused models. The tough AT4 version has a 2.0-inch suspension lift and other real trail-flogging gear. The AT4X and Silverado ZR2 share many features, including enhanced spool-valve dampers, electronically locking front and rear differentials, additional skid plates, and rugged off-road tires mounted on black 18-inch wheels. The AT4X AEV package comes with even better off-road gear, like steel rock sliders, 18-inch AEV wheels, and a steel front bumper with a winch.
On our test circuit, the Denali Ultimate equipped with the 6.2‑liter V‑8 reached 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. We haven’t tested the Sierra with the other engine choices, but we have tested the Chevy Silverado more, which is pretty much the same. With the diesel engine, the Chevy took 6.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, while the Silverado 1500 took 6.1 seconds with the 5.3-liter V-8.
